The University of Oulu is an international science university creating new knowledge, well-being and innovation for the future through multidisciplinary research and education. Close cooperation with research institutes, companies and the public sector has created an internationally significant research and innovation hub that has changed the world. Every day 2.6 billion people use technology developed in Oulu. In addition, the university’s location close to the Arctic offers unique conditions for a wide variety of research.

The Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit is opening a 3-year position for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on Arctic energy resources and Nexus. The position will be based in the Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Group, led by professor Eva Pongracz (www.oulu.fi/energy/). The research shall focus on smart and sustainable solutions for energy in the north, ensuring a path toward a 2050 carbon neutral energy future. The research should also integrate natural resource management to understand complex interactions of the climate-land-water-energy Nexus.

The Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit (WE3) research covers a broad area of expertise including hydrology, water resources, energy systems and environmental studies (www.oulu.fi/water). The research unit is a multinational group working in a modern, up-to-date research environment.

Work description

The position is funded by ‘Arctic Interactions and Global Change (ArcI)’ – a scientific profile area of UOulu. ArcI promotes cross-faculty and multidisciplinary cooperation through recruitment and mobility programmes, seed money actions and science events. The ArcI postdoc programme will fund talented researchers from a variety of disciplines to strengthen the current community of Arctic researchers at UOulu. This open position will be linked especially to the ArcI theme 3: Sustainable systems, resource use and development (www.oulu.fi/arci).

A successful candidate is expected to have a strong background in energy and environmental technologies and good international research networks in smart grid and energy transition research. Understanding the environmental impacts of current and prospective energy production technologies is a necessity, in order to prevent or mitigate these impacts. Experience in appropriate modelling tools for the production, distribution or use of energy will be considered a strong advantage. Collaborations within the Arctic Interactions programme at UOulu, and with international partners from the Arctic 5 energy group will also be necessary (www.oulu.fi/energy/node/52216). It is expected that the candidate either has already had a min. 6 month’s international exchange, or will have during the 3 years’ period.

The candidate will have to contribute to the education of the Sustainable Energy Systems study orientation within the Environmental Engineering Master’s Degree Programme. The course subjects are: the power system, smart grids, renewable energy, nuclear power, building energy technologies, energy economics. Teaching experience in at least 2 of these subjects will be necessary. The postdoctoral researcher is also expected to guide MSc and PhD theses in the subjects listed. Therefore, demonstrated evidence of thesis guidance experience (appointed supervisor or advisor) is also expected. In addition, participation in applying for research funding is anticipated. Tentative work division: 60% research, 30% teaching and 10% funding acquisition.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Technology in Environmental or Energy Engineering, or a related discipline, obtained within the past 10 years;
• Demonstrated strong research background in energy (PhD or post-doc level research);
• Good international research networks;
• Understanding both the Arctic aspects and environmental impacts of energy technologies;
• Experience in appropriate energy modelling tools;
• Fluency in both written and spoken English, good communication and teamwork skills;
• Strong and consistent record of scientific publishing in the top journals of the research field;
• Experience in university teaching, as well as advising MSc and PhD students

Assessment of the applicants’ qualifications will be based on the following criteria:

• Quality of the research plan
• Scientific publications (Scopus profile)
• Educational background and work experience
• Teaching experience on the MSc level, especially in the subjects listed
• Advising on MSc and PhD level
• National and international mobility and collaboration networks
• Experience in (co-)writing funding proposals and familiarity with funding instruments
• Language and communication skills

Terms of employment

The duration of the position is 3 years, beginning on October 1^st, 2020 (or as soon as possible thereafter). A six-month trial period will be applied to the position.

The salary is in accordance with the university salary system (for teaching and research personnel) level 5 of the demand level chart (postdoctoral researcher). In addition to the basic salary, supplementary salary will be paid for personal achievement and performance, the sum rising to a maximum of 50% of the basic salary level for the post. The salary to be expected will be between €3,300 – 3,800 per month, based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

How to apply

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted using electronic application form by July 31^st, 2020 at 23:59 (Finnish local time).

The eligible applicants best fitting the expected research profile will be invited to a remote interview. All applicants will be notified when the selection process has been completed.

The application should be written in English and include the following documents:

1. A motivation letter summarizing applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why applicant is interested in about this position. Teaching interest and other career plans are valuable to provide here. Mobility plans and host institution may also be included. (max. 3 pages)
2. Description of research interests, and research plan for the three years.  (max. 4 pages)
3. A curriculum vitae (max. 4 pages) in accordance with the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (https://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae)
4. A publication list based on the guidelines of the Academy of Finland (https://www.aka.fi/en/funding/apply-for-funding/ list-of-publications/)
5. Teaching portfolio
6. Names and contact information of two persons for possible references

For further information, please contact:

Professor Eva Pongracz, +358 294 48 7417, eva.pongracz@oulu.fi
Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Group, WE3 Research Unit
Faculty of Technology, University of Oulu